Mayflies

Thu, 2012-08-02 14:00

Front Street in Morgan City was inundated with mayflies Wednesday. The numerous insects are actually a good sign — they indicate the health of the Atchafalaya River. Sensitive aquatic insects, such as mayflies, are more prevalent in clean waterways and, thus, are an easy indicator of its health, according to Dr. Dale Pollet, a professor and extension specialist with the Louisiana State University AgCenter. Mayflies have no mouths as adults, so they cannot bite and do not sting. This also accounts for their short lifespans as they live only one day. During this time they molt, mate and lay eggs in the river to begin the cycle again. They are, in fact, the only insect to molt as an adult. Lighting attracts them, so if you don’t want them to come to your house near a waterway, turn off external lights, Pollet said.